Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
FOREIGN construction companies have been accused of leasing out equipment after completing projects with a local firm calling for practical action to ensure a level playing field in the industry.
One of the companies toured by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga at the just-ended Mine Entra exhibition in Bulawayo, National Cranes and Equipment, said some foreign firms were not just gaining an unfair advantage by leasing out equipment after completing their projects, but were often operating under different tax obligations from local companies.
It claimed that the practice undermined local investment and hampers the growth of indigenous firms that have spent years building their fleets, skills base and operation systems.
National Cranes and Equipment works with mines and engineers on specialised projects in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.
It won the Best Exhibitor Award at the recently concluded Mine Entra in Bulawayo, where its towering cranes attracted widespread attention from visitors and exhibitors alike.
Managing director Dr Eric Mandeya said foreign companies that enter Zimbabwe for specific construction projects should be subjected to the same regulatory and tax framework as local operators if they choose to remain in the equipment leasing business.
“Some foreign firms come in for construction purposes and, for a certain project, they bring their own equipment,” said Dr Mandeya.
“After the project is done, they then lease out their equipment. If they want to be in the business of leasing out equipment, they should do so clearly so that they are subjected to the same taxes.”
Dr Mandeya said his company remained committed to competing fairly and had invested significantly in capacity, safety and service delivery across the country.
“We thank the Second Republic’s policies that have helped grow local companies,” he said.
“I think the success of local companies should be credited to the Second Republic. I am happy that we have many local companies doing very well.
“You can even see by the nature of their exhibitions here. What makes us happier in this industry is the deliberate policies by the Government to give big projects to local companies; look what is happening in the construction sector, major road construction projects are being undertaken by local companies.”
The company also supplies spider cranes – compact lifting machines designed for precision work in restricted spaces.
The equipment is widely used in glazing, railway contracting and domestic lifting projects where conventional cranes may not be suitable.
The spider cranes can be manoeuvred into difficult locations, including narrow access points and residential properties, making them ideal for cladding, glazing and building refurbishment.
Beyond supporting mining operations, National Cranes and Equipment believes it is well positioned to contribute to the modernisation of urban infrastructure through the construction and outfitting of high-rise buildings and other large developments.
The company says its fleet and technical expertise can support the growing demand for specialised lifting and access solutions as Zimbabwe’s construction sector continues to expand driven by favourable policies.
